By Shayna Mace | Photography by Shanna Wolf
If you want to shop local during the holiday season (please do!), the Monroe Street area is where it’s at. You’d be hard-pressed to find another neighborhood throughout the city that offers as many local shops as Monroe Street does, all within a bit over a mile stretch.
There are a few shops that focus on international and cultural wares. Art Gecko sells décor and art from China, India, Bali and Nepal. Calabash Gifts, one of the neighborhood’s oldest shops, sells African art, jewelry and housewares. Another of the area’s longest-running shops, Katy’s American Indian Arts sells Native American jewelry (like chunky rings, cuffs and necklaces), as well as art that celebrates Indigenous artists and the American Southwest.
Like handcrafted and quirky stuff? Look no further than Artsy Fartsy and Zip-Dang. Artsy Fartsy is owned by mother-daughter duo Jeanette and Alisson Burda, and the women stock the shop with Alisson’s prints and cards, art supplies, jewelry, décor, and kids’ and seasonal items. Natalie Bass’s Zip-Dang carries a wonderful assortment of T-shirts, jewelry, home décor, prints, candles and more. (Be sure to check out her Madison-centric T-shirt designs and prints!)
If you’re shopping for a special gal in your life (or, let’s face it, yourself), Carrie Astin’s Sunne Boutique offers a beautiful, curated collection of womenswear and jewelry — plus a small capsule of gorgeous vintage pieces. Hive of Madison carries popular brands Fjällräven, Arc’teryx, Birkenstock, Patagonia and more, and the shop’s clothing and accessories have an active bent — but with everyday wearability. They have men’s stuff too!
A Monroe Street stalwart, Carol Schroeder’s Orange Tree Imports offers endless kitchen goods — like Le Creuset pieces, serveware, glasses and much more. Plus, find seasonal décor, a small assortment of kids’ items and gifts. They even have a small cooking school upstairs! Good Day Shop has owner Sarah Artz’s “curated selection of mindfully-made goods from makers, artists and indie brands.” She also carries jewelry and a small apparel collection.
Hobbyists will appreciate a few of the neighborhood’s shops, including Strictly Discs (vinyls and CDs), Capital City Comics (vintage and new comics), Mystery to Me (books of all genres, including children’s) and I’m Board! (board and card games, puzzles and more). Art enthusiasts would love a gift certificate from Monroe Street Framing for a favorite art piece, and true collectors will want to stop at Milward Farrell Fine Art for the perfect sculpture or artwork.
Food and drink lovers should descend upon Wine and Hop Shop, where they can peruse winemaking and home- brewing kits for a unique gift idea. Infusion Chocolates sells indulgent truffles (cinnamon cappuccino, anyone?) for gifting — or consuming on the spot. A few blocks away, Madison Chocolate Company has a small café that serves coffee and seasonal hot drinks plus their trademark chocolates and gift items — like ghost caramel sauce and a variety of chocolate barks.
And, don’t forget your furry friend! MadCat is a great local shop for pet supplies and gifts for your purrfect pal.
